Demba Ba wears a mask in Chelsea’s training

Demba Ba is expected to be fit for Chelsea’s clash with Wigan on Saturday after returning from Italy with a special face mask fitted.

Ba flew to Milan to have the face mask fitted after Fabricio Coloccini broke his nose by kicking him in the face last weekend. Frank Lampard played a first time ball over the top and Ba ran on to it, chased by the Newcastle captain.

As the Senegal star headed it, Coloccini swung his boot up and caught him square in the nose. After being treated Ba tried to continue but eventually the injury forced him off.

He trained on Thursday with the mask and will probably be selected on the bench with Rafael Benitez likely to start Fernando Torres.

On the way to Italy Ba tweeted a picture, saying: ‘Me and the club docteur in the place going to milan to get a mask done…’

Earlier on, he posted: ‘Thank you all for the messages. My nose looks better already. I’ll look like “demba ba” again very soon lol’

His nose was still reportedly swollen and painful 48 hours after the incident at St James’ Park on Saturday, necessitating the protective mask.